England international Declan Rice name-dropped former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba when asked to choose his toughest Premier League opponents.
Rice, 23, has emerged as one of the hottest properties in Europe over the last 18 months and plays a crucial role in the national team alongside Manchester City signing Kalvin Phillips. However, his own move to Manchester did not materialise this summer window.
Currently with West Ham, former Chelsea graduate Rice was earmarked as a priority target for United before they appointed Erik ten Hag as manager. Ten Hag switched focus to Barcelona playmaker Frenkie de Jong amid ongoing fears the Hammers will dig their heels in over a valuation for Rice if he eventually is made available.